but that "fiscal cliff" deadline is less than four weeks away and still no deal between the president and republicans. cbs 5 political reporter grace lee on what this gridlock could cost californians. >> reporter: basically, it could cost us billions. the daily democrat estimates that if no deal is reached and we go over the "fiscal cliff," our state could lose out on $4.5 billion of federal money and lose 200,000 jobs. and this can hit the lower middle class with a one-two punch a combination of unemployment and fewer social safety nets. >> they want us to close on wednesday at noon. >> reporter: a social security employee for 30 years is joining fellow federal workers across the u.s. to spread the word the "fiscal cliff" is looming and at stake social security benefits for millions. >> they seem to go for the people who had the least political pull, in other words poor and disabled and people here in east oakland. >> reporter: like this social security recipient who relies on every federal dollar. if these benefits were cut, who would this affect you and your friends? >> oh, wow. i